*I was given an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the author for review purposes*

IN THE AUTHOR’S WORDS:

What if you grew up on a horse farm and your single passion was to become a champion horseback rider? The problem is, you were born with a disability. Doctors tell your parents you’ll never walk, let alone ride. What will happen next? What does her dad do that changes her life? Will a failed racehorse and a handicapped girl become a winning team? This is the author’s true story of her journey. Even if Deanie prevails, will she find exactly the right horse to help her win?

MY RECOMMENDATION:

Do you love horses and stories filled with courage and inspiration? Young, Deanie Humphreys was born a preemie with the debilitating disease called cerebral palsy. At birth, a portion of her brain was damaged. The result was that Deanie had difficulty walking. Now, for most kids, this would be enough to limit their physical activities for life. But Deanie’s father made a huge decision that changed her life. He said, “I’m going to teach you to ride, and you’ll be fine.”

That single decision changed Deanie’s life forever. Deanie took her first steps at four years old. With the grit and determination of someone much older than herself, she set out to prove the doctors wrong. And, let me tell you. Deanie’s journey is filled with the hopes and joys that only reaching for your dreams and succeeding can bring. It was the ability to ride a horse that gave Deanie the freedom and normality she craved.

My Life at Sweetbrier: A Life Changed by Horses, is Deanie’s story based on memories and photos from her childhood. The book is written for children of all ages and filled with the kind of stories that everyone can easily relate to. The underlying theme is clear – perseverance pays off – never give up on your dreams.

I laughed and cried with the young Deanie, and I felt her pain at not being like the other kids. This is the kind of book you want to read and discuss with your children, talking about empathy for those who are different; while at the same time, encouraging children to not just accept their lot in life. The author writes:

“…it is wise to use your challenges to motivate you toward your goals because when you’ve conquered one obstacle, you’ve gained the confidence to tackle your next challenge.”

Also, at the back of the book, the author provides a quiz for the reader to pull from their memory the finer points of the story. Answers are provided giving an additional learning opportunity.

I loved this sweet story of courage in the face of adversity. It was a poignant story of perseverance and motivation to never give up on your dreams. Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is a real champion and motivator. Her journey will inspire you to reach for the stars.

Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is an award-winning children’s author who loves writing captivating books that teach children life lessons. She has 5 books published: Tails of Sweetbrier, Charlie the Horse, Charlene the Star, Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes, and Charlene the Star and Bentley Bulldog.

My tales of Sweetbrier details Deanie’s childhood on a horse farm. What if your one desire was to become a champion equestrian? But your parents were told you’d never walk. What happens next? This true story will inspire your child to never give up on his/her dreams.

Deanie’s other books are told by the farm animals. They’re humorous stories you child will love. Recently, Deanie was featured on a WTNH.Com/CTStyle television program.

Wow, what an incredible story! Most of the children I cared for with CP were too impaired to hold their heads up, much less sit astride a horse and grasp the reins. Deanie’s father must have devoted his life to her “rehabilitation,” something considered impossible for most with CP. An inspiring story and fantastic review, Colleen ❤️

Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
A terrific review by Colleen Chesebro for the new book by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne about her determination to overcome her physical disability by learning to ride horses. Head over and find out more about the inspiring My Life at Sweetbriar.. a life changed by horses. #recommended

It’s good to feel well enough to respond, Colleen. Unfortunately, at least for some people, it is temporary. I finally informed my family of my impending passing last week.I’m so exhausted it is good news for me, but hard to tell my kids this on Mother’s Day. <3

Thank you, Colleen. Finding this tonight reminds me now to call my sister out there in the Springs. Haven’t touched base for a couple of weeks and it seems more important now than ever before. I’m so thankful I’ve been given this time to say “goodbye” and “I love you” to the people who mean the most to me. You are included in this list of people. I’ll be closing out my blog soon, but since most people, including myself, are able to find it since WP made some changes to things, it won’t really matter that much now. Love you, my friend.

I’ll be watching you and reading over your shoulder, Colleen. And what an adventure I’m on now — the ultimate train ride on the most exciting road of all. I’ve glimpsed it a few times, so I know a small bit of what is waiting. My hope lately is that you enter a shop in your area and recognize one of my sisters, both of whom live in the Springs or nearby (like Monument). Wouldn’t that be a gas?

Meet Author & Poet, Colleen M. Chesebro

Colleen M. Chesebro is an American Novelist & Poet who loves writing paranormal fantasy and magical realism, cross-genre fiction, syllabic poetry, and creative nonfiction.
She loves all things magical, which may mean she is experiencing her second childhood—or not. That part of her life hasn’t been decided yet.
A few years ago, a mystical experience led her to renew her passion for writing poetry and storytelling. Colleen sponsors a Syllabic Poetry Challenge on her blog where participants can learn how to write traditional and current forms of Haiku, Senryu, Haiga, Tanka, Gogyoka, Tanka Prose, Haibun, Cinquain, Etheree, Nonet, and Shadorma poetry. Colleen is a Sister of the Fey, where she pursues a pagan path in her writing.
Colleen won the “Little and Laugh” Flash Fiction Contest sponsored by the Carrot Ranch Literary Community in November 2017. In 2018, she won first place for the “Twisted Travel” category. In 2019, she placed second for the Three Act Story category, with her piece called “The Game.”
Colleen lives in Arizona with her husband. When she is not writing, she is reading. She also loves gardening and crocheting old-fashioned doilies into works of art.

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